San Jose is showing love to the Sharks by permanently naming part of a downtown neighborhood after the national hockey team.
City leaders earlier this month renamed the corner of West St. John Street and North Alameda Boulevard to “Sharks Way” in an effort to connect the team’s hundreds of thousands of fans with downtown San Jose. The location is down the street from the SAP Center, also known as The Shark Tank, and will extend from Highway 87 to the SAP Center. The renaming comes as the city expands economic efforts in nearby areas, including the creation of Post Street pedestrian mall and further development of businesses near San Jose Mineta International Airport.
Mayor Matt Mahan said earlier this month that the city is close to finalizing a 25-year deal to keep the Sharks in San Jose — a decision that would still need City Council approval.
Chris Shay, senior vice president of government affairs for Sharks Sports & Entertainment, said the renaming is the manifestation of a concept known as “stitching districts” — a physical and symbolic link between San Jose’s strongest downtown neighborhoods and attractions.
“By linking San Pedro Square, Little Italy, Guadalupe River Park and SAP Center, Sharks Way will create a welcoming, walkable path for Sharks fans, concert goers, and locals alike — whether heading to a game, a concert or simply enjoying a day in the beautiful Arena Green Park,” a team spokesperson told San José Spotlight. “Sharks Way is an important piece of the push to revitalize the Arena District.”
The area has been occupied by vacant buildings, with fires occurring at nearby dilapidated structures. Sharks Way is expected to enhance economic vibrancy in the area by establishing the street as a consistent and pedestrian friendly urban space.
District 6 Councilmember Michael Mulcahy represents. Mulcahy and his council colleagues approved the renaming on May 20.
“Sharks Way is a tribute to our hometown heroes and dynamic fan base, and a mark of the renaissance happening in our expanding downtown,” Mulcahy told San José Spotlight.
Councilmembers last week also added Sharks Way to the city’s list of entertainment zones set to relax alcohol consumption rules during events like next year’s Super Bowl and World Cup matches.
“Add to it the entertainment zone policy, we create a powerful force multiplier — transforming this area into a formidable destination that will unite the region in 2026 and for years to come,” Mulcahy said.
Contact Vicente Vera at [email protected] or follow @VicenteJVera on X.
